May 2024

Ensuring a Sustainable Future

for Alberta Youth with

Learning Disabilities and ADHD

White Paper

Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network

April 2024

Our advocacy with the government of Alberta has taken a crucial step forwards with the completion of our White Paper and its presentation to 13 UPC MLAs and ministry staff. During a one hour in-person meeting at the Legislature in April, Dr. Karen MacMillan, Executive Director of Foothills Academy Community Services, and Carola Tiltmann, Manager of the Network, fielded plenty of questions from this interested and engaged audience.

Our four advocacy topics:

1. Improve Teacher Training
2. Subsidize Learning Disability Assessments for Children
3. Improve Training in ADHD for Health Care Providers
4. Improve Awareness of the Duty to Accommodate for Employers

Delve into the challenges and our proposed solutions by reading the white paper yourself. If you feel strongly about creating better outcomes for those with LD and ADHD, contact your MLA - they have all received a copy of the white paper - and ask them to support these priority actions.

Carola Tiltmann and Calgary Fish Creek MLA Myles McDougall, continuing the discussion.

October 2024 Conference Topics

Our Network is planning a conference for Learning Disabilities & ADHD Awareness Month this October! In order to make it as relevant as possible, please share your ideas on potential presentations or workshops you would be interested in attending by completing a short survey. 

What topics would you like to see addressed?

Dyscalculia

Understood has created a great resource hub for explaining and supporting Dyscalculia, a math learning disability.

Find out common myths, how it can present at different ages, and tips and strategies for parents and teachers.

S.T.A.R. Program Supporting Transitions to Adult Responsibilities

For young adults aged 18- 23 with ADHD/ Learning Disability to develop the skills and confidence needed to gain independence. Adulthood can be an intimidating prospect, but S.T.A.R. is here to help explain these responsibilities and provide tools to help your young adult prepare!

Summer School for Grade 12 Courses

Calgary Academy is offering these summer courses to all students. Improve your marks or get a head start on Grade 12.

English 30 -1

Social 30-1

Biology 30

Chemistry 30 - online, with optional in-person Fridays

Summer Registration Open

CanLearn has opened registration for their summer programs. Many of are fully funded so they are free of charge for families, children/teens and adults.

Contact them to find out more information about their many programs and to register.

Born to be Me

by Jennifer Couëlle



"15 true stories of amazing Canadians from all walks of life with learning disabilities who overcame many challenges to accomplish their dreams. Because they live with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, they faced obstacles that made them stumble, but each time they pulled themselves up, stronger for the effort."

One of a Kind Kid

by Calgary Mom and author, Nancy Anderson

"Being a kid with ADHD can be hard. There are so many things in the world to explore! How can anyone sit still for even a minute? The one-of-a-kind kid has trouble with this, but all his energy makes life so much more interesting."



My Little Red Wagon

by Alberta Mom and author

Darcie Taylor

Darcie was diagnosed with Dyslexia as an adult and discovered that her love of gardening was a perfect metaphor for learning. This story "illustrates how big hopes can grow into fruition. Our minds are like gardens; they need the right tools, seeds, and love to continue to grow."

May 16, 2024 5:30 - 8:30 pm

at Calgary Academy

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jean Chilton

"This event is keynoted by Dr. Jean Clinton, author of the book Love Builds Brains. In her talk, Dr. Clinton will highlight the importance of parent-child connection and how this supports cognitive, emotional and social development in young learners.

Following Dr. Clinton’s keynote, there will be SIX BREAKOUT SESSIONS for participants to attend based on their areas of interest or need. These micro-workshops will provide participants with practical skills that can be applied at home."

"With both learning disabilities and ADHD, knowing what you need may not always be obvious and knowing how to ask may be easier said than done. As an educational psychologist, part of my job is to help clients become more skilled and confident with knowing when and how to ask for what they need."

In our ongoing series on self-advocacy, Krista Forand, M.Ed, R.Psych, of Compass Psychology in Calgary, shares self-advocacy strategies for clients.

Guest Speaker Dr. Sara Binder

Wed, May 1, 2024 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Hotel Blackfoot

5940 Blackfoot Trail SE

FREE EVENT

ADHD: the Hidden Diagnosis

Dr. Sara K. Binder is the Medical Lead of Psychiatric Adult Services at the Foothills Medical Centre and an Assistant Professor in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary.

She is passionate about caring for patients and treats adult outpatients who struggle with mood, anxiety, ADHD and substance use disorders.

Dr. Binder will speak on understanding ADHD, its diagnosis, impacts on daily functioning and targeted treatments.

The Real-Deal Guide to Complementary Treatments for ADHD

by ADDitude

"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is as multifaceted as the individuals who live with it. Just as there is no one singular presentation of ADHD, there is also no singular treatment. Aside from using medications, 11 000 readers offered forthright feedback about benefits of and barriers to each [alternative] treatment, assessing efficacy in symptom management as well as considering other factors like cost, convenience, and side effects. We’ve rounded up their ratings and reviews (both positive and negative) to offer a comprehensive overview of complementary treatments and interventions for ADHD, according to real people. "

Attend the 2024 Owerko Centre Conference to explore insights and advancements in ADHD

"Each year, the Owerko Centre Conference, through the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, brings together researchers, trainees and community partners to hear from engaging speakers, learn from thought-provoking panel discussions, enjoy trainee presentations and network with colleagues and collaborators."

FREE EVENT

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Conference: 9:00 am – 3:35 pm

Reception: 3:35 pm – 4:45 pm

Health Sciences Centre, Foothills Campus, University of Calgary 

Professional Development

Are you a teacher, educational assistant, school administrator, learning strategist, librarian, tutor, daycare or dayhome operator, coach, trainer or any other professional responsible for engaging children or adult learners?

Check out the Educator's section on our Network website for continuing education opportunities about learning disabilities and ADHD offered by reputable organizations.

• Are you looking for Structured Literacy courses?
• More about Math disabilities?
• What are accommodations and interventions for writing challenges?
• Are executive functions or emotional dysregulation areas of interest?

What diversity really means, and why it’s crucial in the workplace

By BetterUp

"Diversity isn’t just a conversation for others. Everyone has something that makes them different. Whether it's a unique upbringing, educational background, way of thinking, or perspective on the world, we all bring our own strengths to the table. A diverse and inclusive organization is one that is at the forefront of innovation and social change."

Read to find out the 10 benefits of diversity in the workplace and how employers can harness these advantages.

The Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network is a collaborative initiative of a broad group of organizations, which is operated through Foothills Academy and supported by an Anonymous Donor at the Calgary Foundation.